If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big hug from the inside out, this Crockpot Chicken Minestrone Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, hearty beans, and just the right touch of herbs, this soup simmers low and slow to blend every flavor perfectly. It’s a delightful Italian-American classic made wonderfully easy with a slow cooker, delivering healthy nourishment that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your belly with satisfying goodness.

Crockpot Chicken Minestrone Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to this minestrone’s incredible flavor and texture. Each item plays a vital role, from the protein-packed chicken to the colorful vegetables that add texture and freshness, and the herbs that create an irresistible aroma.

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: The tender protein base that soaks up all the broth’s flavors beautifully.
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
  • 1 cup chopped carrots: Brings a natural sweetness and lovely orange color.
  • 1 cup chopped celery: Provides a crisp, aromatic bite to balance the soup.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the broth with a warm, savory richness.
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices: Juicy and tangy, they add bright acidity and body.
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy beans that boost protein and fiber.
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds color contrast and hearty texture.
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base keeping it light yet savory.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a sweet herbal touch reminiscent of a garden in summer.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings the classic Italian flair.
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness and warmth.
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced: Adds fresh green notes and tender crispness near the end of cooking.
  • 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow): Brings chewy comfort and substance, perfect for spoonfuls of joy.
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach: A burst of vibrant green and important nutrients, stirred in last to keep it bright.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Added just before serving for a luscious finish and rich mouthfeel.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Minestrone Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients

Start by placing your diced chicken, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes (with all that delicious juice), and both kinds of beans into your crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to low and let it cook gently for 6 to 7 hours, or crank it up to high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The chicken will become perfectly tender, and the vegetables will meld beautifully into the broth. This slow cooking process allows all those flavors to develop its signature richness and warmth you’ll adore.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Zucchini

About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the diced zucchini and your choice of small pasta. Cover again and keep cooking until the pasta is tender but not mushy, soaking up all that tasty broth along the way.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Olive Oil

Just before serving, stir in the fresh chopped spinach and drizzle the olive oil over the soup. The spinach wilts quickly, adding a fresh pop of color and nutrition, while the olive oil brings a silky richness that ties everything together beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls and enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Minestrone Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Minestrone Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Don’t be shy about topping your bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few torn basil leaves for extra flavor and color. A dollop of pesto or a squeeze of fresh lemon also brightens the soup fantastically if you want to get a little creative.

Side Dishes

This minestrone shines on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, crusty garlic bread, warm focaccia, or a light mixed green salad pairs beautifully. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that hearty soup!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a side dish of parmesan crisps for crunch. Or try a bread bowl to make it extra special and fun—scooping up your Crockpot Chicken Minestrone Recipe from edible “bowls” is an experience everyone will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store your leftover Crockpot Chicken Minestrone Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to enjoy quick, comforting meals throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this minestrone for longer storage by placing it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just remember to add the spinach and pasta fresh when reheating if you want to maintain their texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up. Stir occasionally to warm it evenly and bring the soup back to that perfect comforting temperature.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans instead of cannellini and kidney beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in navy beans, chickpeas, or even black beans depending on what you have on hand. Each will bring its own flavor and texture, and the soup will still be delicious.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra beans or tofu to keep it protein-packed while staying plant-based and hearty.

What pasta works best in this Crockpot Chicken Minestrone Recipe?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are perfect because they hold up well in soups and complement the vegetables without overpowering them.

Can I prepare this recipe without a crockpot?

You can cook it on the stove in a large pot, simmering gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together. Just add pasta and zucchini toward the end as directed.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy if I am making this ahead?

If you’re making this ahead, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving. This keeps the texture perfect and prevents it from becoming overly soft.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken Minestrone Recipe has quickly become a go-to comfort meal for anyone looking to combine ease with wholesome, hearty flavor. Each spoonful warms your heart and energizes your day with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and cozy herbs. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your home—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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Crockpot Chicken Minestrone Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 32 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Dairy-Free

Description

A hearty and healthy Crockpot Chicken Minestrone soup packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a flavorful Italian herb broth. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal prep and slow cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Additions

  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil


Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients in crockpot: Add the diced chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with juices, cannellini beans, kidney beans, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper into the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
  2. Slow cook the soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked through.
  3. Add zucchini and pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the diced zucchini and the small pasta. Re-cover and continue cooking until the pasta becomes tender, absorbing the delicious broth.
  4. Finish with spinach and olive oil: Just prior to serving, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and drizzle the olive oil over the soup. Adjust seasoning by tasting and adding more salt or pepper as desired.
  5. Serve hot: Ladle the hearty minestrone into bowls and enjoy a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit it for a low-carb version.
  • Adding a parmesan rind during cooking enhances the broth’s depth of flavor; remove before serving.
  • Use low-sodium broth to control salt content and adjust seasoning accordingly.
  • The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder soup.

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